FAIR PICTURES!

As you can see, these are my WW1 Postcards and the wire fan holder! I took them to the Fair as a last-minute thing and won a blue ribbon!

These pictures are some of my ribbons and the projects that went along with them. The two pressed flower pics in the back were done on homemade recycled paper! Yes, you see a butterfly and a dragonfly in the pictures. I find these creatures along the road during my walks, especially in the month of August. If they are dead, I bring them home and press them along with the flowers. The little pressed flower pics on pink background have a second place judge's choice ribbon as well as a blue. I was excited about that! Of course, there's also the lace shell that I knitted and the black raspberry jelly.

I'm a little disappointed with how the one pic turned out. Maybe you can enlarge and see it better. My alpaca shawl is there along with Emma's placemat pantsuit and her smock that I knitted for her. The tatted Bible bookmark is on top of the shawl and a knitted, felted purse is in the background.

Don't ask me why this next pic is on here twice--you know I'm electronically challenged! I post so few pictures, maybe you can just enjoy this one twice!!!!

This is a picture of my beautiful daughter-in-law, Kori, and granddaughter Emma, feeding the animals in the exotic animal exhibit at the Fair. Emma is all about animals right now! This was exciting for her! Blessings, LORI

MODESTY IS ALSO A BEHAVIOR ISSUE or YOUR CLOTHES HAVE A VOICE!

Today I want to add a bit more to the modesty chronicles! Titus, chapter 2 gives us much to think about and is really a key passage for Christian behavior. Starting at verse 3 and reading through verse 5 we see, "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their chidlren, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."



This passage indicates a type of behavior expected out of mature Christian women. Again, let me go "back in the day...." At one time (when I was a young girl--a long, long time ago) you could pretty much count on older women to behave discreetly, Christian or not. The society itself was still steeped in enough Christian morals that people behaved with a sense of propriety whether they were committed to the Lord or not, for the most part. Just a few days ago I was walking down a crowded thoroughfare and behind me were two mature ladies, probably in their mid to late 60's. The subject of their conversation was shocking, lewd, and very inappropriate to what you would expect out of the grandmotherly types. Granted they were obviously not Christians, but on the other hand, shouldn't someone old enough to be a grandparent have learned discreet behavior by then? It was kind of shocking. It just goes to show how far we've slipped as a society. We used to be able to count on the older folks to sort of "rein in" the younger ones (isn't that what verse 3 indicates?).



I said all that to say this: I think that modesty goes much deeper than the way you dress. It encompasses the way you act, the motives of your heart, your speech, and your overall demeanor. A woman can be perfectly covered in body and still signal immodest behavior by the way she gazes at men or the way she uses her body language or her speech.



Another question to ask yourself in the modesty department is, "what am I communicating by the way I dress?" This is a really good measuring stick to go by when selecting outfits. Even beyond the issue of modesty, it's simply a fact that dress can communicate a number of things. For instance, there are certain types of clothing that say, "professional." Other outfits say, "casual," still others, "formal." Clothing speaks. Think of your clothing as having a voice. It can speak louder than your actual words at times.



Let's be truthful. It's really unusual today to see a young girl in a dress that is modestly long and completely covers her body. I saw a girl not long ago in a restaurant and she was dressed very casually, yet was wearing a skirt. Her outfit was casual because though she wore a skirt she had canvas type shoes. She was the picture of wholesomeness. Her clothes were well tailored, attractive, and modest. She stood out like a sore thumb, no kidding! Modesty is just that rare when it should be the norm!



Modesty tip: I've recently discovered the wonderful versatility of shawls! I even wear them with jeans! I sometimes sling them over one shoulder and pin them with a decorative pin at the waist. They can be worn wrapped around your waist and allowed to cover your hips with either a skirt or jeans, forming a kind of "skirt" over jeans. I have begun to collect them in a variety of different colors. I sometimes wear them in the winter under jackets. They add extra covering to the bodice area and look "chic." You can crisscross them over your shoulder and around the neck, pin at the shoulder and completely cover a low or gaping neckline allowing you to use an otherwise unusable blouse. Look for them in a variety of shapes, textures, and colors. I even take long rectangles of fabric and sew a few hems, a little lace and voila! I've made my own shawl!

More thoughts on modesty coming in the next few posts as well as the 2010 Lori Zehr "Fair Report"--hopefully with pictures! Blessings, LORI

MORE HINTS AND EVEN A RECIPE SUGGESTION!

The continuing discussion on modest clothing. There's a bit of a joke around our house that if there were such a thing as the "modesty police," that would be Mom's (Lori's) dream job! Well, I do wish I could somehow help folks understand that modesty is a GOOD thing, not a drudgery.

The true and lasting qualities of beauty are best discovered by first getting to know a person on the level of their self, not their body. This is one of the reasons that covering your body appropriately is just plain, wise, living. Because of the themes of my books, "courtship," modesty goes right along with the subject. In a courtship, the couple is supposed to be praying about each other and getting to know one another based on lots of important spiritual and character qualities and not focusing on physical attraction alone. I tried to bring that out in "The Fields of May."

I hope to someday be able to direct readers to a place where they can purchase dresses that are designed to look like Carrie's clothes from the book. I purposely described Carrie, the main character, as a young woman who makes very careful efforts to dress modestly and beautifully. I have actually been talking to various folks about the possibility of getting a few of Carrie's dresses on the market. It's a dream that I hope one day comes true!

So how can women dress modestly in an immodest culture? If you sew, you have an advantage because you can make your own items. However, I find that I barely have enough time anymore to make all the clothes necessary to outfit myself. Plus it's getting harder to find good fabrics and patterns since many sewing stores are going out of business. I do what I can and make alot of my more dressy clothes, but even modest everyday stuff is getting hard to find anymore. I find that layering is a good option. If you find a blouse, but the sleeves are cut too deeply or the neckline a bit wide; a blouse, shirt, or sweater worn over it can solve the problem. The longer, fuller skirts like I have on in the cowboy boot picture (yesterday's post) are also a staple in my wardrobe. I find they are very cheap and quite popular right now. They can be dressed up or down by the tops you wear with them.

Another good indicator of whether your outfits are appropriate is to ask you husband or your father (if he is a Christian). A few times Clint has suggested to me that I needed to wear something under a certain blouse. He will honestly tell me if something is just a bit on the edge and doesn't look like it should. Sometimes it's hard to see how an outfit looks on you from all angles, but another person can help you.

Pray before you shop. I once had a friend that prayed before going clothes shopping for the simple reason that she needed to find bargains that fit her budget. She testified that the Lord helped her find what she needed!

And please---do not fall into the trap of looking frumpy in the name of modesty. Improper and ill-fitting clothing that isn't pretty does nothing for your Christian witness and certainly draws a different kind of negative attention to yourself. While neatness, cleanliness, and modesty are tops on the list; beauty should not be sacrificed. Just read the detailed descriptions of the tabernacle furnishings and realize the importance God put on the items surrounding and adorning His dwelling. Our God loves beauty. The people who worked on the tabernacle were skilled artisans, many were workers in fabrics and dyes, emboiderers and weavers. The priests' clothes were carefully and skillfully made and described in detail. Offer your best to the Lord in everything you do, whether it is your service, your appearance, your time, or your money.

Switching gears: I invented a new recipe last night that you might like to try. I dipped chicken breasts in coating (Fryin' Magic) and browned them on both sides. I then placed them in a glass baking dish and covered them with foil. Baked them at 400 til I knew they were done (thermometer). Meanwhile I had boiled about two tablespoons of concentrated orange juice and barbeque sauce together with a few dashes of soy sauce. When the chicken was done I basted it with the sauce mixture and baked a while longer. Really, really good! Kind of a "teriyaki" flavor. Yum, yum. Experiment with sauces and see what flavors you like.

Another tip: tonight I made a casserole of ravioli. I buy the frozen ravioli and then just put it in a glass pan (greased) and cover with a quart of spaghetti sauce. My homemade sauce always seems a bit watery compared to store-bought, but that's absolutely perfect for ravioli since the little pasta pockets need the extra moisture as they bake. I covered this with shredded cheese and baked til crispy and bubbly. Very good and very easy. I buy the day old deli breads as often as I can. The whole grain buns are my favorite. I cut them in half and top with butter, garlic salt, parmesan, and shredded cheese and broil for a few minutes. Great side dish and cheap too! Blessings, LORI

MY NEW COWBOY BOOTS AND MORE THOUGHTS ON MODEST CLOTHING!

Here's a picture of the new cowboy boots that Clint purchased for me at the Fair! I love them! Seems appropriate to add a fashion picture to this post on "modest clothing!"


Adding a few more thoughts to yesterday's post:

I was saying how hard it is to find modest styles in the stores nowadays. I think it has become so difficult that we are actually seeing some inappropriate clothing in the church or among Christians. It's so difficult to obtain decent things that most folks won't go out of their way to find anything different.

Back in the day, I remember going to a Saturday night church service with a friend. This is while I was on vacation and probably didn't have alot of dress clothes with me. I think she went in shorts and I had on a tank top style shirt with about 1 inch straps. I might add any undergarments were securely pinned back then so that none crept out from beneath your shirt. It's a little hard for us older gals to get used to the idea of all kinds of straps, etc. being allowed to show now! The minister chose that evening to admonish the congregation about how they were appearing in church in clothing that was inappropriate! Boy, did I ever feel singled out! I don't think it was intended at me, since I was just a first-time visitor and my friend, a member, was dressed the same way, but it sure did leave a lasting impression on me. Looking back, the outfit I wore is no different than what is commonly seen in churches now at midweek services, etc. (mostly for young people).

This will crack you up--back in the day, Clint remembers being so annoyed at his folks because he was not allowed to wear jeans to church like the other guys! Now is that a modesty issue? No, but it just goes to show that the mindset was worlds apart from now. What we commonly accept as appropriate might need to be at least re-considered. I'm not against jeans in church, in case you were wondering. Our kids get a kick out of us telling them how we girls used to carry our "dress pants" (popular in the 70's) with us in a bag to Sunday evening services. After church we would change out of our dress clothes and into the "dress pants" for youth gatherings or head for town to go out to eat or go "cruising." But we would never have thought of going to church in anything but a skirt or dress! My, how things change!

Am I saying a woman shouldn't appear at church in pants. Not necessarily. I'll leave the pants vs. dresses issue to you and your own convictions. I merely bring up these things to make the point that there was a consciousness of what was appropriate for certain occasions. As well as throwing modesty out the window, I think we've lost that as well.

First modesty suggestion: Camisoles are a great wardrobe item to offset the low necklines that are popular today. Sometimes they are a bit expensive, but they are something that you can use so much that the cost is offset. More tomorrow....Blessings, LORI

TALKING ABOUT CLOTHING

Spending more time at the Fair! Clint worked again this morning in the chaplaincy booth and I sat and knitted with the spinners and weavers' guild. That's my idea of fun! Beats work! I got alot done on a cardigan that I've been putting off. I have the shell done that goes under it, but the matching cardigan is going slowly. Both shell and cardigan have lace panels and that slows the work down since I haven't been able to memorize the lace instructions! These ladies complimented me on my work and that was a big thrill to me since they are accomplished needleworkers. Made me want to keep knitting!

I thought I'd add a few thoughts on modest clothing to the next few posts. Talking about knitting leads right into that. I used to love to knit and sew just for the creative satisfaction that it gives, but now, I actually sort of depend on using my creations because of an increasingly hostile clothing environment. Is it just my imgination or have you noticed that in the last several years it is becoming harder to find modest ladies' clothing? I think my observation is correct since I've heard umpteen women complain about the same problem.

If there's anyone who should have an excuse to dress "however," it's me, since I sometimes think I'm the hardest person to fit on the planet! As well as not being able to find affordable clothes in appropriate styles, sometimes if I can find them, they simply won't fit me. I'm almost a petite--1/2" too tall for a true petite, a bit long-waisted, yet I have narrow shoulders and shorter arms. It's am impossible combination. Clothes that are perfectly fine on other women gape and droop and create all kinds of neckline difficulties for me. Still, I try not to let that excuse me from being careful with my clothing choices. Lately it's been harder than ever. I recently bought a top that seemed ok in the dressing room but when I got it home and wore it, I was uncomfortable all day with the way it shifted around and seemed to end up appearing low cut. I've not worn it since.

If you're reading this and have never considered whether or not your clothing is modest, but merely just purchased whatever you liked, you may be wondering why anyone would give it that much thought. I'm basing my comments on a couple of things. First there is a scriptural principle for women found in 1 Timothy 2:9, "In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation..."

In addition to that scripture there are several other passages that hint at the same principle, although they may not say it as directly. There is a general theme in scripture that would indicate that women should both dress and behave modestly. I really think the two go together. Immodest dress tends to foster immodest behavior and vice versa.

The second thing that I'm basing my opinions on is the way I was raised. After you get a little older (like me!) you have the advantage of experience to back you. By virtue of my age, I can tell you--things are getting worse, much worse in the modesty department compared to what they were when I was a teenager. It's actually shocking. You wouldn't know this unless you've lived long enough to remember those days.

I'll give more thoughts on that tomorrow. I've got a few ideas on how to beat the "clothing problem." Maybe you will too. Let me hear your comments and ideas! Blessings, LORI

FAIR PROJECT UPDATE!

Today I spent the day at the Fair with Clint. He worked in the chaplaincy booth, handing out information and talking to people who inquire about the ministry. I spent my time wandering around checking up on my items and knitting with the spinners and weavers guild. I also took a walk to the library since it's pretty convenient to leave the east fairground entrance and then it's not too far away. I really got my exercise today with that walk plus the walk from one end of the grounds to the other to check my entries.

I was a little bit surprised on a few items. Here's the rundown. No ribbon on the flowers--not a surprise at all since they basically died! No ribbon on the jelly--no surprise here either since I had only one and I was supposed to have three jars. I did get a blue ribbon on my WW1 postcards and fan holder. Also on the pressed flower pics I got a blue ribbon on the little pink ones, plus a second judge's choice! That was a pleasant surprise! They only give one first judge's choice and a second in a division, I believe. The larger ones got a red ribbon, but I was competing against myself.

Over to the needlework building--the 70's dress got a blue ribbon. That was a bit of a surprise. There was very little sewing entered in any category and the dress was the only one in it's division or class. But they don't have to award a ribbon if they don't think it's worthy, so I was glad for the award. Emma's placemat pantsuit got a blue as well. My felted handbag got a blue ribbon. I was a bit surprised at that, especially when I saw the caliber of the competition. Some very nice felted handbags were entered. The tatted cross bookmark got a red ribbon. Truthfully, I was surprised at that--not to brag, but I expected a blue. I have been a tatter for years and years, consider it my best accomplishment in needlework, and rarely get a red. Just goes to show you can't get over confident!Try, try again! My alpaca shawl got a blue and that surprised me. I expected maybe a red. Emma's smock got a white. So all in all I had a pretty good year. I'm satisfied. Now seeing the lack of sewn items, I wish I had taken one more dress over that I had finished. I thought it was not all that great, but I'm pretty sure it would have placed anyway. Oh, well. Next year.

After we got home I picked raspberries, tomatoes and put laundry on the line. Also washed 3 windows, their mini-blinds and screens. Did some housecleaning and got supper around. It was a productive day and it's back to the Fair tomorrow. Clint will be a the booth once more and I was invited to sit and knit with the guild again. My publishers had a nice poster and some information set up right across from the booth Clint was at. I'm looking forward to another day of fun with the other knitters, spinners, and weavers.

For the rest of the week until I am able to get a photo collage of the items after I pick them up on Saturday night, I want to start a new subject on this blog. Modesty. I feel like it is a related topic to courtship, Christian living, and so on. Plus it's a much needed subject that we sometimes overlook today. We as Christians need to address this a bit more than we do. I hope to make some observations that will stimulate some thinking on the subject. Stay tuned. Blessings, LORI

SPIRITUAL LESSONS FROM THE FAIR!

What a day! I spent the entire morning doing all the little details to finish Fair projects. Finally at about 12:30 Mom and I set out for Centreville. Today was a "free" day at the fair and so there were lots more people than usual. We could have parked inside, but the parking lots were quite full. I told Mom to go park at our old house and I'd carry my stuff in. First was the flower arrangement I had just finished--a nearly identical arrangement to the one I made a few years ago that dried up. You will never guess what happened---well, maybe you will. Yes, I used the wrong foam again. I could have promised you I had purchased the correct stuff. I wondered why it wasn't soaking up the water, but I thought it just needed a little more time. Here I was building a beautiful arrangement using nearly all the flowers left in my garden only to make the EXACT SAME MISTAKE AGAIN!!!!! (Clint's cousin in the flower judge--oh, how embarrassing!)

When I got there I had to walk quite a ways to the building where the flowers are housed. The wind was brisk and I feared for my arrangement. People passing me were commenting on how pretty it was. Got it into the barn and asked to water it. I noticed some of the flowers were starting to droop. I got it all entered and moved on to make another trip to the car for the second load of items. After I got all done I took Clint's camera back to take a picture of the arrangement because I knew by the end of the week it would be a goner even with everything done correctly. A new gal was in the barn and she mentioned to me that I had used the wrong foam! The flowers were starting to droop again! Tomorrow is the judging and there's only a shred of hope that it will still look even decent by then. We learn from our mistakes and some of us have to make the same mistakes twice! It made me think over and over today how thankful I am that the Lord looks at us through eyes of mercy and His judgement on us was paid for by Jesus. We are free from a judge looking at us and inspecting every detail.

Because the premium books are costly to print, the Fair quit sending them out a few years ago. You can get them online. I didn't bother thinking I have nearly memorized the book. That was until I tried to enter the jelly today! For some strange reason, you are supposed to bring 3 jars. I brought only one. They coaxed me to leave it anyway, but I know it will be disqualified because it doesn't meet the requirement. Another lesson learned--read the book! You can make all the necessary spritutal applications on that one without me even embellishing!

Did get the antique fan card holder entered although since we didn't know the age and there was no real category for it, they put in the WW1 items since the cards were great examples of that era. Ok, there.

I did try to check the premium book online for this next item, only I coudln't find the entry I was familiar with. This was the category I usually put my pressed flower pics in. I thought I remembered that you needed two pictures and there were two divisions for different sizes. So this morning I put two more pics together, this time very modern looking done on my homemade recycled paper complete with pressed butterflies. Way cool! Got there only to find out that there is only one category and now I have two sets of pics. They said it was ok to enter them both and I'd just be competing against myself! Well, why not?! Again, it pays to read the book!

Got down to the needlework building and started getting all the stuff out. Alpaca shawl, tatted cross, 70's dress, felted handbag and I realized something. The 70's dress had some threads that needed to be clipped. The more I looked at it (and some of my other stuff), the more I realized that I am a "cobbler." I doubt it will place very highly if at all. I have always "made do" with whatever I have. I will not go buy new matching thread if I have a whole drawer full and can "make do." I did that on this dress. Same with the handbag, it's made of leftover ancient wool yarn. If I didn't have what I needed, I used something else. In this economy, that's a very good quality to possess--but maybe not for entering to win prizes! Spiritual lesson: second best will not work in getting to heaven. You must have the "real thing," you must enter by the narrow way or not at all! Jesus is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. Not A way, or A truth, or A life. You either accept His way of salvation or you'll have none at all.

I do have hight hopes for the tatted cross and some of the other knitted items. Maybe even the postcards and pressed flower pictures, but we'll keep you posted! Highlights of the day--Clint bought me a really nice pair of cowboy boots at the fair tonight! They are of the same style as a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY EXPENSIVE pair I happened to find in Nashville. I liked them so well, but knew those would never be mine. These will do just fine and I can't wait to wear them with a nice ruffled skirt. Plus we got to really enjoy Emma. Animals are a big thing to her--books, toys, etc. She even makes many of the animal sounds if you ask her. So taking her through the barns to actually see and hear all the animals was great fun. Her eyes were big as saucers and when she had heard the cows bellow enough, she looked a bit apprehensive and said to us, "All done," which translates to, "I'm ready to move on!"Blessings, LORI

FAIR EXHIBITS AND FOND MEMORIES

Today was a big day for me! After I finished cleaning the church for Rhiannon who is working alot of hours (!!!), I came home and got all my projects ready to exhibit at the county fair. I've been doing this for the better part of 40 years. I won't say exactly how long, 'cause if you know the age that kids can join 4-H, you could just about figure out my age! Oh, well, you probably can anyway!

I couldn't think of anything except three items that I'd finished this year.....until I got there. I promise this happens every year! When we lived in Centreville, just two blocks from the fair grounds, it was no big deal. Just walk back down with the extra stuff. But now I'll have to go back tomorrow. Today I entered Emma's placemat pantsuit, her knitted smock, and my knitted lace shell. On the way out of the grounds I stopped by to see my friends in the spinning and weaving guild. They were hanging up their lovely knitted and etc., creations. Instantly I started talking about shawls with one of the gals and remembered I had knit an alpaca shawl this year. First item to go back home for! On the way home, I thought of some other stuff. I decided I could make a tatted cross bookmark quick, so I did. Then I did two pressed flower pictures. I like these two so well, I doubt I'll ever sell them. Plus they are in frames that belonged to my grandma, so I think they're here to stay after they spend a week at the fair. You have to enter two for some reason; I've never understood that, but that's the rules. I then opened my closet and began going through my clothes to see what I'd made this year. The items are few and far between, but then I spotted the 70's dress (picture on a post back in May or June!) so that's going. I found a knitted handbag that I designed and then felted. That needed some new drawstrings and I quickly crocheted them and so that's now on the table ready to head out in the morning. Mom put the oasis foam in a carnival glass dish in which I'll do a flower arrangement in the morning. Two years ago I did one in this dish and picked up all the colors of the dish. They said I'd have gotten the blue ribbon hands down except all I had was styrofoam and my flowers dried up before judging. They looked so cool even dried. It made a great dried arrangement, but they wanted fresh! My gardens are currently so depleted it will take nearly every flower out there to fill that bowl, but I'll try.

Also heading to the fair tomorrow will be the antique twisted wire fan that I bought last year. It is designed to hold postcards or Christmas cards. It's a very unique item and I will take some turn of the century postcards in it. Also I went to the basement and got a jar of wild black raspberry jelly to enter. I found a lovely cross stitch jar topper down there that was on some jelly someone gave us. Guess what? It's now on mine!

It's more important to take extra entries this since a budget cut will cause 70% of the listed premium prices to be paid. Each ribbon is worth so much and you get a check at the end of the week for the total of your ribbons--called a "premium." Some items are a small amount depending on the materials that go into them, etc. So if you drew a third place ribbon in a certain category, it might pay only $1 (.70cents). So that cuts the profits right down if they are only able to pay 70%. That motivated me a bit more to find things around here to enter.

I hope to post pictures of my items at the end of the week. If I get ribbons, I'll give you all a rundown of the awards! Here's hoping for the best! One year I got 1st place judge's choice over the entire needlework building. I was floored! I never expected that in a million years, especially since I didn't even know they had such a thing until I won it. It was for a very detailed embroidery picture of 6 floral bouquets surrounded by candlewicking that looked like lace. I completed it (framed it) the day before the fair and just took it on a whim.

When I was about a 5th grader, my best friend held a sleep-over party for her birthday. After the regular party on a Saturday in September, (about this time!) she was allowed to have one friend stay over. I got chosen. I looked forward to this for a long time. I also needed to have cookies ready to go to the fair for 4H on that same Saturday. At the time, my cooking instructor was a junior leader--a high school girl. I went to the birthday party, played all day and was riding bikes around town with the girls, when my dad and mom drove up. They stopped me and asked if I happened to remember that I needed to bake cookies this afternoon and get them over to the fairgrounds. My leader had called to remind all the girls. Ooops!!!!! No, I had not even given it a thought. I guess at that time I had been acting quite irresponsibly over many things and mom and dad were not pleased. This was the final straw. They told me to get straight home and get the cookies done since it would reflect poorly on my leader if I didn't show up with an exhibit. I rushed home and did the cookies that I had planned to do--molasses crinkles. They were supposed to chill overnight before baking. No time for that. We chilled them for probably 1/2 hour and then had to bake them. Rushed a plate full over to the fairgrounds and all is well, right? NOT. I was told I could not go to the sleepover as a reminder to pay attention to my committments. I was not happy. Taught me a lesson, though.

But lo and behold, on Tuesday, the traditional kids' day when all the schools dismissed at noon so you could go to the fair; I was standing in a huge line of people waiting to get on a ride when a friend from my class walked up. He announced to me that he just saw my TROPHY in the 4H barn. I didn't believe him at first. But I won a second place trophy after all that! Fun fair memories. This year is Emma's first time to really enjoy the fair. More family memories being made. Clint and I will take our turns working in the Miracle of Birth tent and the Jail Chaplaincy booth. It will be a busy week.

So much more to say, will save it for another post. Blessings, LORI

THANKFULNESS AND CANNING TOMATOES!

Hi, everybody! I've got to stray from commenting on the last few verses of 2 Peter for a day or so. Lots of other stuff got in the way....like tomatoes! Clint and I both had to make trips to Centreville today--me to pick up my now proofread manuscript of "A Sturdy Fence,"--and he to meet with a family concerning an upcoming funeral. So because we were combining our trips to save gas, I had to hurry and scurry to have the tomatoes at a point where I could leave the process. I asked him to take a few pictures, but his morning was consumed with studying in the book of James to prepare for tonight's Bible study. I could not take pictures, get the two big loads of laundry hung out, wash, cut, cook, and juice tomatoes plus be ready to go by 11:30! My real, true intent was to post pics of the tomato juicing process. Well....

I got all the tomatoes cooked and juiced in time and left the hot juice in a big cooker awaiting my return. This afternoon I'll cook it down, add tomato paste, spice, etc., and then can it. It may mean I miss prayer meeting tonight. But with the last two days of this week occupied, I guess it might be hard to avoid. The canning is certainly more difficult these days since my good help is no longer available! Rhiannon is working in the corn and just isn't available most days. She loved the canning and was excellent help. They are in the middle of harvest and she's putting close to 12 hour days. Last night she was teasing about the corn sorting process and how it has so much spiritual application. I asked if she'd like to be my guest blogger for a few days, take pictures of the amazing process that goes into producing quality seed corn, then post them complete with spiritual comments (bad seed needs to be removed, etc), but she said she's too busy! Sorry! I'm sure you would have found it all interesting. It's truly an amazing process. We don't often realize what all goes into things we take for granted--things like the availability of good quality seed to the farmers of this nation.

Today as I was starting the tomato canning process, I thought again about the availability of water. I am so thankful for running water! No kidding! I often think of that and breathe a little prayer while I'm doing some task where water at the touch of a faucet handle is indispensable. Making spaghetti sauce or any kind of food processing is just such a task. It forced me to consider what it was like for grandmas as they canned back in the day when all the water used had to be hauled from a well or pumped by hand. And they didn't have the option of deciding not to can, it was a lifestyle and a necessity if you wanted to eat over the winter. I recently read an entry in some notes my dad's mother left for the family describing a fire that occurred in their house back in the early '30's. She was looking at the new catalog (a really big deal!) with the neighbor lady while her green beans were canning on the stove. A spark found an open spot in the chimney and started a fire in the wall. Soon grandma saw the smoke and the rush to rescue the house was on. She told how a neighbor man rescued her cooker full of beans. They all sealed and everything was fine in the end, but she really emphasized how that guy was bent on saving those beans!

I always kind of dread the canning process. It's not one of my favorite tasks, especially spaghetti sauce--probably because of the many steps involved. But today I'm thankful that I have good equipment, no chimney to worry about, and running water to clean up all the mess! Thankfulness.....it's a good thing. Blessings, LORI

CONTINUING COMMENTS ON 2 PETER, CHAPTER 3

I haven't posted for a few days so I hope you are still ready to think about some of the scriptures I was mentioning. I was so moved by the last chapter of 2 Peter.

Starting again at verse 7, we are told that the earth is literally being preserved still today for a time yet to come when everything will perish with fire. This should actually be comforting to us since we are so often deluged with people claiming the earth will be destroyed by disease, global warming, another ice age, and on and on. It's comforting to me to realize that the earth is kept until the day of judgement and then we are clearly told it will be fire that will be faced, not all this other stuff.

Going on to verse 8 we are reminded that this "waiting" for the return of the Lord is actually an indication of His mercy. If He were to end everything now, there still would be so many unsaved. We've got work to do, for the Bible says clearly that it's not His will that any should perish!

Moving on to verse 10 we have a description of the destruction of the earth. It's very plain and re-supports verse 7. From verse 11 to the end of the chapter Peter goes on to admonish his readers to live in such a way as to please the Lord in light of what's going to eventually come. The works of the earth will be burned up (verse 10) and all that remains is what you have done for the kingdom! What a motivating thought that should be! Verse 13 reads, "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Won't that be awesome! I am looking forward to that. I've noticed as I get older and have grown in my relationship with the Lord, I long for heaven. I grow weary of the systems and injustices and heartache of this world. Yet I am here to live and make a difference. Do I take that seriously every day?

Going on to the last few verses, I really love verse 15, "and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you." The apostles are endorsing each other and that's another wonderful evidence that the Lord has brought the scriptures together to perfectly agree and complement each other. The very thing that the scoffers were attacking is actually the goodness of the Lord--their opportunity to be saved--"the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation."

More on the last few verses on the next post!

I picked tomatoes today. Trying to get a good bunch of them ripened on my deck table for spaghetti sauce. Things in the garden are rapidly slowing down. Next week is our county fair and I've got a few projects that have to be entered later this week. I always love that. I will take at least two knitted items and Emma's placemat pantsuit. Blessings, LORI

ENCOURAGEMENT FROM 2 PETER 3

Yesterday I spoke of reading 2 Peter chapter 3 and just feeling like so many things popped out at me! I wanted to go through the chapter (maybe for more than one day) and share these with you.


Get your Bible and follow along! In the first two verses, Peter encourages the readers to "stir up their pure minds by remembering." Yesterday there was a lot of remembering going on in the USA because of 9/11. Sometimes remembering can be good. It helps us see where we've been! Peter goes on to say that they should reflect on the words of the prophets (a major porotion of the Old Testament) and then of the apostles' commandments (verse 2). Verse 3 contains a warning that in the last days, scoffers will come--those who doubt and ridicule what you have to say. This verse gives the picture of people who are living any way they want because they doubt the truth of eternity. Verse four goes on to let us know that they doubt Christ's return. I think there alot of people in the world today who have numbed themselves to that message. Even in the church Christians can get discouraged. I think this chapter is a good one to study and meditate on to keep ourselves pointed in the right direction and our minds jolted into reality despite what the scoffers may be telling us.

According to Peter one of the arguments that scoffers were using went just like this: 'Nothing is changing, things are just the same as they've always been, there's no 'end of the world' coming.' But the apostle's reminder in verses 5 and 6 should help us get an understanding. The doubters forget. They forget that once the world was destroyed by a flood and MUCH changed in a short period of time. The argument that everything has always been the same--doesn't hold water! The earth was different before the flood! Get some good creation teachings to see how much was altered by the catastrophic results of the flood of Noah's day. It's very interesting and a real eye-opener if you've never been schooled in creationism. You'll be convinced by the evidence that things do not stay the same.

So next time you're tempted to get weary in well-doing or to forget that the Lord's return is to be a motivating factor in your Christian life, re-read Peter's admonitions.

We are planning a grill-out around the campfire this evening! Hope you have a great weekend as well! Blessings, LORI

TAKING MY OWN ADVICE!

Ok, so I should take my own advice! This morning I was reading the last chapter of Second Peter when suddenly the Lord just began to open my heart to a greater understanding of the chapter and related scriptures. No journal with me! That almost never happens. I had mopped the kitchen floor and propped my Bible near the door, mopping my way out to the deck. I didn't go back for the journal and so I made notes in my Bible. I do that often. I know some people are way opposed to that, but it has been one of the most helpful things to me in my Christian walk. I often use the notes that I have made to refer to other scriptures and related thoughts when teaching Sunday school since my journal doesn't always go to church with me. As I am beginning to do more public speaking, I find the studying so much easier because I often get ideas from notes I've scribbled in the margins. My Bible is filled with such entries and they too are like reminders of what the Spirit is speaking to me as I read the Word. Consider making notes in your Bible.

Another little writing tip: If you begin to use a journal and want to start writing a short story (or a long story, for that matter) use this little hint if you are not near the computer. Begin jotting down major thoughts or "scenes" on paper. Don't worry about all the details or time sequence. I often write what is vivid to me at the moment and then when I re-read I number the paragraphs or sentences in the order I want to arrange them. Of course, this only applies to quick writing on paper. If you are at the computer it is so much easier to re-arrange things instantly. By numbering thoughts on paper you can then type them in order when you get to your computer. As a pastor, Clint has often kept a notebook or paper by the bed because it seems that sometimes he wakes in the night with sermon ideas and rather than lose them, he jots down notes.

Today we met Rhiannon for lunch since she was between duties for awhile. They are preparing for harvest and that changes her normal workday. On the way home from meeting her, we stopped at several local business in search of a campfire grill. We looked at lots of styles and a friend invited us to his house to investigate the one he has--the "Cadillac" of all grills. It was really nice! We didn't purchase today, but I think we eventually will. We had a campfire last weekend and probably will this weekend as well. With grandchildren coming on the scene, I can see this happening more and more. It's a really fun part of life on a small acreage. Farm life at its best!

I hope to write a bit about the wonderful things I noticed in 2 Peter, maybe tomorrow. Blessings, LORI

MORE ENCOURAGEMENTS

I need to add a little to one of yesterday's answers. I also remember that my parents got me a diary for my 7th or 8th birthday. I was probably in first grade and just learning to write. Because I had an especially hard time remembering which way the "b's" and "d's" were supposed to face, there are several interesting entries that go along these lines--"fed my bog and went to ded," or things like that! But that diary led to journaling......

I try to recommend as much as possible, to Christian women especially, that you begin to journal during your devotions. Buy some type of writing paper or ready-made journal that you are comfortable with and keep it with your Bible. I often use the cheap school notebook type tablets that can be purchased at many stores this time of year for 15 cents and up (approx.) if you shop around. I stock up on them and keep them handy. When you use a journal to record your thoughts during your Bible reading time, it becomes a record of how the Holy Spirit is prompting you. No one else has to read your entries and that's a great place to practice writing! Before long you will see a "thread" of God's encouragements to you.

My first and second books, "The Fields of May," and "A Sturdy Fence," ( the second one due out in early December) were written in these cheap notebooks. I did a little writing each night before I went to bed and then read, re-read, tweaked, edited, and repeated the whole process for about 10 years! Part of the lengthy delay in publishing was due to the typing that had to be done. I couldn't turn the manuscripts to someone else to type because I was the only one who could decipher 10 years worth of scribbled corrections, arrows, and out of order pages! It shouldn't have to take that long. With the aid of the computer, book three was written over a time period of about 6-8 months. I started book 4 yesterday and it's already about an eighth of the way done--or so---who knows at this point? The whole outline is complete already.

I am learning all the time and my advice to others is 'just start writing', especially in a journal. Your individual style will develop quickly. I see a difference just from my first book to my second to my third, and so on. Yet, my own sort of individuality still shows through. The old-fashioned, flowery, descriptions of places, clothes, furnishings, or courtship proposals are my favorite thing to write! I love the descriptive paragraphs!

I encourage you to develop a time of Bible reading every day. The journaling will be a part of that. That leads to more writing! Blessings, LORI

WRITING

Because I get alot of quesstions about writing, ( and the gardens are pretty quiet right now!) I thought I'd add a little discussion for a few days to my blog concerning how I got started writing and try to answer some of the frequent ??? folks ask.

Question 1: How did you get started writing?

Answer: I always enjoyed creative writing in school and one lesson in particular stands out to me. In sixth grade our English teacher had our "rows" each work on a story. The person at the first desk made the title, the second desk in the row set the time period, the third set the place, the fourth the character, and so on, without consulting each other. We then grouped up and wrote a story from that! It was fun, wildly funny, and VERY memorable! It got me started with loving to work with my imagination.

Question 2: What is your book about?

Answer: So far, all my books are fictional stories about Christian courtship. That's what we discussed for a few weeks on the blog--check all the labels to review that discussion. PS: I finished book three this morning--hooray!

Question 3: How do you go about writing a book?

Answer: With "The Fields of May," I saw one scene (in the middle of the book) in my mind and wrote the whole book around that. The same thing happened with book three and now book four--the outline of which I completed yesterday--hooray again! Usually I write scenes and then fill in the details to connect them. Book three was so far the easiest to write. It's the first I've done directly on the computer. "The Fields of May" and "A Sturdy Fence" were handwritten in journals over a ten year time period and I transcribed them onto the computer just in the last few years. NEVER AGAIN--IT'S ALL ON THE WORD PROCESSOR FROM NOW ON!

I'll answer a few more questions tomorrow. If you have one, please ask me by leaving a comment, I'll try to answer. Blessings, LORI

NEW BOOK COMING SOON!

Here's a little news update. Today was quite humid around our neck of the woods! That made drying clothes the traditional way (clothesline) next to impossible. It's too cool to turn on the air and close the house up, so we are suffering with everything feeling damp. To offset the effect of that I cleaned furiously this afternoon! Always makes me feel better. Although we had to turn on ceiling fans and floor fans to get the linoleum to dry!

Since homemaking was difficult in the humidity, too much off and on rain for gardening or yard work, I was glad that I had scheduled to meet with my publisher concerning details on my books. I spent a few hours with them and we settled on a title to the first sequel! It will be called "A Sturdy Fence." I'm really excited to be narrowing it down. I got to see the preliminary pictures for the cover and that was exciting too! I'll keep you posted on the details and availability of the next two books as I get them.

An interesting thing happened this morning while I was getting ready to head for the appointment with the publisher. Just like a flash, the outline for another book came into my head! Before the day was over, I had filled in most of the details and am about to type up the formal outline. This will make a fourth book in the series--assuming all goes well and I can arrange for the publishing. The book I had in mind for book four might now be book five! Well, that's the way it goes! Blessings, LORI

THE FROG IS IN THE BOILING POT

Recently I once again heard the old analogy about how you can condition someone to a way of thinking or a behavior by encouraging them to make small steps in a certain direction. The "frog in boiling water" example was given. It seems you can't drop a frog into boiling water without him jumping right back out, but if you slowly condition him to the water by turning the temperature gradually up, he will stay put and evenutally boil. Immediately I thought of our society. I think we're being "boiled," don't you? There is a definite attempt to get us conditined into accepting all kinds of evil and destructive behaviors and many folks are falling for the lies. Like I said recently when referring to some of the discoveries in my grandparents' WW1 love letters, we've made a drastic societal change. Back then many of the lies we commonly accept today as truth simply would not have been able to be peddled. The society as a whole was still too biblically based as a direct result of the efforts of Christians (though shortly after that time it was to quickly begin a downward slide!)

In my posts on courtship--which I will conclude today--(unless the Lord seems to give me more to say!)--I have been talking about how dating has contributed to a very marriage-destroying atmosphere in our culture. Of course, dating is not the only culprit, but one of many. Our society does not value life today as our grandparents did--that's evident in numerous ways; our policies, our attitudes, how we treat the elderly, etc. How did we slide so far off the track of the Bible, the Word of God, basic freedoms and morals that our nation was founded on and dedicated to preserving? It's just like the frog. Little by little we allow certain things in our lives; we tolerate ideas, entertainment, behavior, and so on that conditions us to a new way of thinking.

Being in the pastorate, my husband and I have heard countless heartbreaking stories of the devastation that is brought on by non-deliberate living. By that I mean that even people in the church tend to just go about life accepting the dictates of society without considering if the behavior patterns match up with scripture--getting gradually boiled in the pot. In every case I'm referring to, the resulting devastation, broken homes, ruined lives, heartaches; can be traced to some sort of biblical ignorance, disobedience or breakdown. If we as Christians would begin to live "deliberately," obeying scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit as if every moment and the whole world depended on us for preservation (they do! Salt preserves!) we'd see a great dose of salt and light begin to affect our society. Jesus left us with a world to evangelize and most of us are not very deliberate in doing it. We just go through life with the attitude that if we are nice, decent citizens we will leave a good witness. Well, that's partly true, but there's more. Let's be people who think things through. Let's be people that search the scriptures (Paul talked of the Bereans being more noble than others because they searched the scriptures instead of just accepting what they were told! Acts 17:11)

A return to more biblically based living (I'm thinking right now of the area of courtship, but there is much more) will take a deliberate move on the part of Christians. Just going about life waiting for the events of life to dictate our responses will not bring about the effect that the world needs to see from us. Teach your children diligently. Stay at home moms--embrace your role and train those children with a deliberate goal in mind--their salvation! If you are a Sunday school teacher, teach deliberately and with a noble heart. Whatever your role, do it with all your might as unto the Lord. Know what you believe and live it. Don't get gradually boiled like the frog.

This seemed like a fitting conclusion to the courtship discussions, at least for now. I'm sure there's more that could be said, and I will write more as I feel led. For now, with the approach of fall I'll turn my attentions back to farm and country living and the spiritual principles that can be gleaned from everyday life on a small acreage!

Last evening we had several friends over for a campfire. I wish I had taken pictures that I could have shared. I honestly didn't think about it. I've got to take my advice and get more "deliberate!" We roasted hot dogs, ate lots of fun food that folks brought along--homemade pickles and salsa, bread pudding, graham cracker treats and one family made hobo pies. They brought along a huge plastic tub with all their supplies. The Mrs. set up a folding table and began to butter slices of bread and gave everyone a choice of blueberry, apple, peach, or cherry pie filling. The bread was spread with the sweet mixture, placed in iron sandwich cookers and roasted. It was frosted when it was ready and we all enjoyed delicious, warm pies! Eariler in the evening, Rhiannon had the big target out and was practicing with her bow. One friend strolled through the red raspberry patch upon my urging and enjoyed a few fresh berries as an appetizer! When the raindrops finally began to pepper us in a more deliberate manner about 10:30, the party broke up. But what fall fun that was! Can't wait to do that again soon! The enjoyment of country life! I thank God for His kind blessing of placing us on this little farm! Blessings, LORI

MORE ABOUT COURTSHIP

Happy Friday to you! I have not accomplished much in the last few days, it seems. I just got lazy after doing all that corn. Plus while my cousins were here we were pretty busy for the evening and the next early morning. We regretted they had to leave so soon.

One thing I did accomplish was alot more writing on the third book in my series. I hope it will be released in the spring of 2010. Sometimes I think that it will never be done, but then when I sit down at the computer to write, it seems the words and ideas just flow. The third book is part of the series that started with "The Fields of May." The series as well as the second and third books are yet to be named. Each book in the series is centered on courtship and finding a mate in a way pleasing to the Lord. Each one builds on the character's lives from the previous book. This last book takes place mostly in Africa with a couple on the mission field. If you enjoyed my first book, please plan to read the sequel and then the third one as well. I'm anxious to have the entire series completed. A fourth book is forming in my mind that will require some research. This is something I am unskilled at. I am not sure where to begin with it, but I think it will be interesting!

I have been wanting to take time to write a bit more on courtship. The particular subject I want to mention today is how the society affects our ideas and attitudes toward dating and pre-marriage relationships. In re-reading the stack of 1915-1920 letters that went back and forth between my then unmarried grandparents--he a WW1 soldier and she a farm girl; I made several observations. One of the main things that I noticed was how polite their communications seemed to be. They joked about things in their lives and seemed to have a sense of humor in their letters, but with an ever-present and overriding respect and politeness that often seems lacking among people today. He addressed her with affection and respect. His letters were often signed, "Your loving friend," etc. In one particular letter he comments on something she had written after he had given her a service pin of his. She apparently mentioned not feeling that she had any right to wear it and he corrected her. I think from the tone of the letter he was attempting to show her how interested he was in her that he would choose her to receive this gift. He told her that she had someone in the service who was or wanted to be her dear friend. His comments carried a tender sweetness that was very endearing.

Back in the time when these letters were written, it is obvious to me (and anyone that studies history) that society itself played an important role in preserving the integrity of marriage and pre-marriage relationships. In other words, everyone you knew was watching to make sure you behaved in a polite, honorable manner. The society itself was geared to helping maintain certain standards. Did they have their troubles back then? I'm sure they did; all was not perfect. But I remember my father telling the story that when grandma was a young girl the entire downtown of a nearby town caught fire. The town was approximately 6 miles away and surely the smoke could be seen from grandma's farm. A neighbor boy who was highly respected by my grandma's family offered to take my grandma in his buggy up to the town to see the commotion. Her parents declined the offer since it would be considered too far for a young girl to ride alone with someone she was not married to! Imagine that! But that makes my point exactly. Your reputation was carefully guarded and if you weren't wise enough to guard it yourself, someone would do it for you! We've certainly strayed a long way from that. I think that might be why courtship has become a talked-about subject among more conservative Christians in the past few years. Someone has to bring some sanity back to this whole process. Back in the day it might not have been as necessary to think along these lines since there were so many checks and balances in place already. I suppose that the old days relationships resembled courtship quite a bit anyway. America was once a predominantly Christian culture with a Biblical worldview. That alone helped to protect even the non-Christians in the society. Now we have strayed so far that even kids raised in the church are falling prey to the same evils that plague their peers.

Shouldn't a society have a vested interest in preserving values and integrity among its young people? I think so. Even more so, the church should have this interest. Nowdays we see the exact opposite. Much of our media and institutions seem to serve the opposite purpose. Take a look at some of the headlines of the common magazines for teen girls and you will soon see what we as a society value and are promoting for our young women. Most of the articles have to do with looks, clothes, and how to get a guy to pay attention to you. Really, is that all life is about? When we promote such ideas we are basically telling a young girl that her looks are all that matters.What about lasting values and character qualities? What about beauty that will not fade? What about promoting Godly wisdom and virtues that will carry you through the tough times in life? Someone needs to speak up and swim against the current, countering the culture.

I think that's why there is an increasing interest in courtship. It's a return to a more biblical approach to marriage and a reaction to the devastation that the dating system has wreaked on us. More on another day......

Today I got to have lunch in the beautiful gazebo at a friend's home. Wow, how lovely it was eating a nice salad while watching a profusion of birds come to feed with the lovely garden in the background. I think I was made for porch sitting and sipping tea on the veranda! Well, weren't we all really made for that--after all...Eden! It was very relaxing and serene. We had a nice leisurely visit and I found myself wishing there were more time in every day for this kind of relaxation and fellowship! Blessings, LORI

A VISIT FROM A BADGER

I forgot to tell some of our real exciting news yesterday. JT was out at the back of our woods to check the trail cam. When we brought in the pictures we were surprised to find a badger very beautifully photographed near where we usually see the bucks! We didn't think that we had badgers in our area, but apparently we were wrong! After mentioning it to several friends, we were assured that they are living in our neck of the woods; not really plentiful, but here, nonetheless. And where there's one, there has to be more! Could he be the culprit in the chicken murders that happened a few months ago while I was gone to church on a Sunday morning? I still think a fox was responsible for that!

Today I'm taking a break from gardening, canning, and freezing. My Kentucky cousins were here to spend the night and just left this morning. There's never enough time to visit, it seems. We will get to see them again on our next trip to Tennessee in the fall.

I was mentioning courtships that have gone wrong on yesterday's post. Because of the nature of courtship--that parents are pretty actively involved in the process--there must be a vibrant relationship with God by all parties involved. When you are in a position of helping someone (your children) discern God's will in such an important decision, you really need to be sure you are close to the Lord. You need to be Spirit-led and not just relying on your own wisdom. As I mentioned before, the one thing that I think is missing in much of the courtship discussions we hear today is this total reliance on Holy Spirit led living. If we as Christians would really be close to the Lord and keen at hearing His voice and living His instructions, we would make less mistakes. This is true for all areas of life, not just courtship.

As I grow older I am realizing more and more that we can do things, make decisions, etc., out of one of two motivations--faith or fear. Maybe there are more, but for now let me make a point on these. Romans 14:23 says in part, "...for whatever is not from faith is sin." This applies to choosing a marriage partner. If courtship is approached by people being led of the Spirit and no fear, selfishness, or other motivation is involved, then the results will be better.

I thought alot about this recently as I pondered "preparedness." In earlier blogs, I posted alot about that since it's a favorite subject of mine. I love to stock pile by canning and so on. It's something I've always done and I guess it was sort of ingrained into me from seeing my grandma's shelves lined with the "fruits" and "vegetables" of her labors! I think that if I had a huge income, I'd still can and freeze and scrimp since it's just part of me and what I do. But if I do it out of faith; a heart that is thankful to God for abundance, a sensibility that wants to be a good steward and not waste, that's one thing--that's like a faith motivation. I believe God gave me good things to preserve. On the other hand, if I do it because I feel I need to rely on my own efforts so I won't starve or I fear I can't trust my Lord to provide, then that is the fear motivation kicking in. We must do all things from faith just like the scripture indicates. And the same goes for courtship. This is where we must rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All parties involved need to be in tune to the Spirit's leading--the couple, the parents, dare I even say, the church? Churches could be really helpful and provide better atmospheres for courtships to occur, but that's another subject!

It's a beautiful, sunny, fall-like day here in Michigan and I hope it's the same where you are. Blessings, LORI

SEPTEMBER IN THE GARDEN AND VARIOUS THOUGHTS

The last two days have been completely consumed with work! After a day of work yesterday, Rhiannon and I went grocery shopping to restock the house after vacation. On our way home we visited the corn patch and picked 3 clothes baskets full of more corn to freeze since it's on it's way out. It was getting late and we had to hurry. We didn't husk it in the field. This morning she helped husk some before she had to go to work and then I got stuck all alone doing corn for the whole day! What a lot of work! I did manage to get a load of clothes on the line and supper in the crock pot between husking, washing, boiling, cooling, cutting corn, and cleaning up the kitchen! Then end result was 22 quarts of lovely corn to put in the freezer for winter. Our freezer is currently so full, I honestly don't know where I'd fit another item! This is something to be thankful for!

I hope to get a chance to write some more thoughts about courtship tomorrow. I do want to say that I know of courtships that have "gone wrong." I was pondering that today as I was working. I was thinking about what all I wanted to write next about the subject and that's certainly something to be considered. I know of situations where the courtship didn't end in marriage, but was broken off in the early stages. But isn't that much better than what most folks experience--dating several people and experiencing break-ups and all the resulting emotional baggage on a regular basis? I think in the cases I'm referring to, there were some hurts to get over, some scars to heal, but certainly not to the extent of what failed dating relationships leave. After all the years in the pastorate, I also know of situations where dating relationships fell apart leaving tremendous scars. I've talked to young people who were grieving over heartaches.

On that subject, my next book, the sequel to "The Fields of May,"--the title is not set in stone yet or I'd tell you!--is a book that deals with what might happen if a courtship "goes sour." I am anxious for the release of this book because it follows some of the characters from the first book and instead of everything working out just as planned, there are alot of setbacks that occur before the characters get their lives in order. I hope it will give readers a desire to look very carefully and seriously at their relationships before entering into them as well as encourage those who have made wrong turns with the hope that God is all about redemption!

Just a little side note on another subject--yesterday I believe I was given what might be called a "divine appointment." It made my day. I had called a lady about a business matter and as we talked I sensed her discouragement and disappointment with several things she was going through. She had concerns that mirrored some that I deal with myself. Listening to her was like hearing a recording of myself at my lowest times. I told her I'd like to pray with her before we hung up and she seemed so appreciative. I pondered that call quite a while yesterday. She is a believer, but I think she needed someone to minster to her. I often want to do "big things" for the Lord and probably fail by missing opportunities like that one yesterday. Someone emailed me yesterday morning with specific encouragements that made my day much lighter. What if all of us as Christians were to take our days very seriously, looking for the small things--divine appointments--where we are to minister in quiet ways? Over time all these small moments would add up to alot of ministry! I thank God that I was able to recognize that a prayer was needed at that moment. I think I was more aware because someone had ministered to me through an encouraging email in the morning. When I write these articles on my blog, I am trying in a small way to be an encouragement to those who read them. I don't have a big platform, but want to do what I can for the Lord!

What's new in the garden? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Oh, maybe the zinnia finally bloomed. But other than that, it's looking very Septemer-ish. By that I mean there's a tired, dry sort of look to everything as flowers make a last feeble attempt to bloom before winter sets in. Some vegetables are still being harvested and my red raspberries are making a noble showing, but that's all! Blessings, LORI